Functions of Liver and Biliary System

Question 1

What are the functions of liver?

Answer 1

a) filtration and storage of blood
b) metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and foreign chemicals
c) formation of bile
d) storage of vitamins and iron
e) formation of coagulation factors

Question 2

What are the functions of bile?

Answer 2

a) Emulsify large fats molecules in food into smaller particles; increases surface area - easier for the lipase enzymes to act on
b) Aids in absorption of digested fat end products through the intestinal mucosal membrane

Question 3

What are the stages of bile secretion by the liver?

Answer 3

1. Initially secreted by hepatocytes which contain large amounts of bile acids, cholesterol and other organic molecules - then secreted into bile canaliculi
2. Bile flows in the canaliculi -> interlobular septa -> terminal bile ducts -> hepatic duct -> common bile duct

From these ducts, bile either empties into the duodenum or flows back into the gallbladder

Question 4

What is bile?

Answer 4

Bile is greenish fluid produced by liver

Question 5

What are the types of jaundice?

Answer 5

a) Prehepatic/ hemolytic jaundice: due to excessive destruction of red blood cells
b) Hepatic or hepatocellular jaundice - due to damage of hepatic cells
c) Posthepatic or obstructive jaundice - due to obstruction of bile duct

Question 6

What is Enterohepatic Circulation (EHC)?

Answer 6

The flow of blood from intestine to liver through portal vein is known as EHC. Bile salts and bile pigments are transported through EHC.
*EHC = movement of bile acid molecules from liver to small intestine and back to the liver